By Dayo Johnson
AKURE — Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, alongside a series of infrastructure, health, education and water projects across Ondo State.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover will be constructed along Oba Adesida Road, stretching from Adegbola Junction to St Matthias/NNPC filling station in the Alagbaka area.
He said the approval was part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.
Olawoye explained that traffic studies identified the Alagbaka–FUTA corridor as one of the busiest and most congested routes in the state capital, necessitating the flyover as a long-term solution.
He added that the contractor would begin preliminary surveys ahead of construction.
The council also approved several other road and infrastructure projects across the state, including canalisation works in Ilaje Local Government Area, construction of concrete walkways in coastal communities, and multiple township and rural road projects spanning different parts of the state.
Other approved projects include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, and rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
In the education sector, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the upgrade was driven by growing demand for university education in the state and would feature faculties in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
In the health sector, the council approved procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialised equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment includes MRI, CT scan, ultrasound machines, mammography systems, X-ray machines and theatre equipment to improve healthcare delivery and medical training.
The council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam, aimed at improving potable water supply to Akure and surrounding communities.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Ayodele Akande, said the project—about 40 per cent completed—is supported by development partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank and French Development Bank.
The meeting also approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area, following community demands for the installation of a traditional ruler.
